Fishing Tips, Tactics

Posted: June 3rd, 2015 by Bill Dance

NIGHT-FISHING FOR BASS

Want to know some of the best lures to use when night-fishing for bass?

Crawfish imitators are often favored for night-fishing, and this includes most of your arsenal of jigs.

The reason? Crawfish move around a lot more at night than they do in the daytime, especially after a rain or when the wind is blowing against the bank. Off-colored water on the windward side is excellent, and you will also do well where there is a drain or run-off; and don’t pass up mud or gravel banks with deep water nearby.

The jig-and-eel and the spinnerbait are good night lures on most lakes during the spring and fall of the year. During the summer, a plastic worm or a spinnerbait will take more fish. Crawl these baits right along the bottom, because bass will be searching the lake floor for salamanders and crawfish. At night on a lowland or midland lake that does not stratify, bass will often move into 3-5 feet of water to feed.

That said, don’t forget surface plugs. They are a lot of fun to fish, too, just remember you might want to wait until you actually feel the fish to set the hook. And that is easier said than done — out there in the dark after hearing a big fish swallow up your bait.

There is also the discussion of lure color. Traditionally night-fishing baits are dark and laced with hints of florescent pinks, greens or yellows.

Also organization is a key when night-fishing. Know where all tackle is stowed/stored (out of the way). Not only is it easier to get your hands on in the darkness, but it also keeps you from stumbling on stuff stacked in the bottom of the boat.

WIND DIRECTION

Does wind direction really matter?

Wind can matter in a variety of ways.

The notion that wind blows baitfish is a myth. Actually, the wind blows phytoplankton (tiny organisms) and can actually cause it to buildup in the water along wind-swept banks. A basic link in the food chain, phytoplankton is favored by baitfish. In turn, baitfish are favored by predators like bass. So if you have a bank loaded with phytoplankton, thanks to the wind, you may soon have a bank loaded with bass or other sport fish.

That said, you may be thinking about the “wind blows from the east, fish bite the least” or “wind from the west, fish bite the best” sayings.

I think these sayings have more to do with barometric pressure changes than the wind. Traditionally, when the wind blows out of the east, you have a barometer reading that is not favorable to fishing. When it blows out of the west the barometer reading most often favors fishing.

Of course, if you have a certain cove you want to fish on a particular day, but the wind is not favorable, well, it is going to be tough. Therefore, be fully aware of the area you are fishing; know the lake. Consider the wind direction before you go, and you are apt to know a place on the lake that you can fish and escape such ill winds.

As always, catch one for me!